Razor-blade holder.



H. H. HOLMES.

RAZOR BLADE HOLDER.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 29, 1909.

953,421 Patented Mar. 29, 1910.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

H. HLHOLMBS.

RAZOR BLADE HOLDER.

APPLICATION IILED MAY 29, 1909.

Patented Mar. 29, 1910.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

ANDREW u GRAHAM co, wcro-umoommms wAswmmolg. ac.

UNITED TATE PATENT @FFIQE.

HAMDEN II. HOLMES, 0F GALESBURG, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOE OF ONE-HALF TO HARRY M. RICHARDS, OF GALESBUBG, ILLINOIS.

RAZOR-BLADE HOLDER.

Application filed. May 29,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HAMDEN H. HoLMEs, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Galesburg, in the county of Knox and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Razor-Blade Holder, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to devices in which a safety-razor blade may be temporarily secured while it is being honed or stropped.

One of the objects of the invention is to so construct, modify, arrange and dispose a pair of pivoted limbs lying practically in the same plane and adapted to wipe over each other into parallelism that a safety razor blade of practically any known description or species may be readily and quickly secured between the jaws thereof, and at the proper angle for sharpening. To this end my improved device constitutes practically a universal holder.

A further object is to novelly pivot the members of the device in such manner that one pair of the projecting or end portions when brought into coincidency form a ban dle, and the other end portions securing jaws, one of the latter provided with a multiple-purpose laterally disposed longitudinal flange on its rear edge.

A further object is to provide a device in which no removable parts or attachments are required in order to clamp or secure the blade between the jaws.

A further object is to provide a device in which one of the edges of a two-edge blade will be guarded or shielded, so that neither the blade, the hone nor the strop can be injured in the act of sharpening. The back edge of a blade having a single cutting edge, it will be evident, is likewise guarded.

A further object is to so construct the rear edges of the clamping jaws that the act of sharpening a safety-razor blade may be performed in the same manner as is the act of sharpening an ordinary or old-style one, the movement in turning the holder on its back edge while in contact with the strop or hone being identical with that of turning the oldstyle blade. In this connection it may be stated that I have purposed to eliminate all projections which might injure the most delicate strop.

A further object is to so shape the jaws that they approximate the shape of an ordi Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 29, 1910.

Serial No. 499,19.

nary razor-blade. By so shaping them not only will the blade be held at the proper inclination to the sharpening instrument, but danger of bearing too hard and rounding the edge is obviated.

A still further object is to furnish jaws of such construction that their confronting faces may be rovided with or include selective means for securing blades of diifen ent types or different structures in place, practically all of which selective means partake of a similar nature although some are protuberances and some concavities.

That the mechanism constituting the means above recited be durable, strong, economic of construction, simple of manipula tion, not liable to get out of order, and of such small size that it may be conveniently carried in the vest pocket is a prime requisite; to provide such means constitutes still another object of the invention.

Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction; in modifications thereof; in the place and manner of pivoting the blades; and in other things hereinafter specified, including the arrangement and disposition of the parts for co-action.

Prefatorily it may be stated that the general idea of the invention comprehends in its broadest aspect two wiper members pivoted to each other at or near their midlengths or at the midlength of at least one of them, and adapted to wipe over each other somewhat after the manner of shear-blades, the handle portions of my device, however, also preferably wiping over each other. So pivoted, the limbs of the device form an X- shaped structure when in position to receive a blade, said limbs however, lying parallel and juxtaposed but not wholly in contiguity at their jaw ends when in closed or operative positions.

The invention will be more readily and fully understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan of a preferred form and construction of a razor-blade holder embodying my improvements, shown as open and ready for the positioning of a blade on one of the jaws; Fig. 2, a plan of the flanged member thereof, seen from its inner face; Fig. 3, an enlarged sectional view, taken in the line 33 in Fig. 2; Fig. 4, an enlarged end view of the limb or member 1, taken from the jaw end thereof; Fig. 5, a rear edge of the member shown at Fig. 4; Fig. 6, a rear edge view of the flanged member; Fig. 7, a modification, a plan of a device for securing a two-edge blade; Fig. 8, a modifica tion, a plan, seen from the inside, showing the manner of adapting my improvements to a blade provided with notches in its ends; Fig. 9, a modification, a cross-sectional view taken approximately through the midlength of the closed jaws, and illustrating the adaptation of my improvements to a blade constructed similarly to the ordinary razor blade; Fig. 10, another modification, a crossseetional view taken approximately through the midlength of the closed jaws, and illus trating the adaptation of my improvements to a widely known type of safety razor blade provided with a reinforced back edge. Fig. 11, a plan of the holder illustrated at Fig. l but in closed position, showing also a blade secured therein; and Fig. 12, an enlarged end View, seen from the jaw end of Fig. 11.

Reference being had to the accompanying drawings and to the numerals of reference thereon, the same one indicating the same or a similar part in the several figures, 1 indi cates one of the limb members of my device and comprises a handle portion 2, an approximately centrally disposed pivot aper ture 3, an enlarged and preferably tapered or beveled jaw portion 4; slightly thinner than the handle portion 2, the thickness thereof depending somewhat on that of the razor blade which it is adapted to receive, as will be presently apparent. The handle portion (as also that of the other member) is of such form that it may most conveniently be turned back and forth between the fingers and thumb when sharpening. The member 1 of the construction shown best at Figs. 1 and 2 is preferably provided with an integral boss or lug 5 at each end of the jaw, (one of them being shown as a continuation of the handle portion) they being cut away as shown to provide a shoulder 6 against which the tongue or projection of a blade 17 of well known construction (the Ender) rests to prevent it slipping forwardly, the shoulder 7 preventing endwise movement thereof. It will be evident that the shape, size and location of these lugs may be changed to conform to the outline of any blade which is held at its ends in the razor handle or razor proper, and I wish it understood that I comprehend the scope of my invention in this particular to be of such extent as will cover any such modified con structions. The height of the lugs is preferably somewhat greater than the thickness of a wafer blade.

The other member, 8, of my device comprises a handle portion 9, having an approxi matcly centrally disposed countersunk pivot aperture 10, a preferably tapered or beveled jaw portion 11 of substantially the same or a fraction less diameter than is the handle, and a laterally disposed flange 12 extending nearly the entire length of the back edge of the portion 11. The rear portion of said flange is arciform in order that it may turn freely without injury to a delicate strop or hone, and the width of the flange is prefer ably such that its point 1 1 will be flush with the outer rear edge or corner of the jaw 4 when the jaws are united (and in closed position) by the pivot 15 which is riveted smoothly into the countersunk apertures in the limbs. stiffening lugs 16 are preferably provided on the type of limb 8 and may be slightly tapered if preferred. They serve to support the rear edge of the blade but are not absolutely essential to the effectiveness of the device. Also, an elongated rib might be substituted for said lugs.

Attention is now directed to the modification at Fig. 7, in which a two-edged blade is held in place by lugs or pins 5 which perform the double function of the similarly numeraled lugs of the limb 2 of Fig. l, 2'. 0., they prevent either lateral or longitudinal movement of the blade. I am aware, however, that lugs such as shown at Fig. 7 have priorly been used, but in devices differing in construction from mine.

The positions of the pins or lugs may be changed to adapt them to prevent movement of blades of varying shapes, whether single or double edged; it will be evident that they will retain a blade provided with tongues at its ends, each pin seating in one of the rectangles formed by the lower portion of the tongue and the end portion of the blade. In the jaw which co-acts with this pin-like form of lugs, slots 25 or equivalent grooves may be provided, the ends of the lugs resting therein when closed and adapted to move therein as the jaws are wiped over each other. See Fig. 13.

Now see Fig. 8. A single edge blade pro vided with a notch 18 in each of its ends is here shown. as positioned and retained by bosses 5 which seat in said notches and hold the blade from displacement. This also is a blade of well known construction. By a line of demarcation m x I have indicated that one of the handle portions of my device might be there cut off or terminated and I *ish it to be understood that T claim all such unessen'tial changes to be within the scope and purview of my invention.

Fig. 9 illustrates the manner in which a blade having a broad back 21 is held between the jaws of a modified form of my improvement, the flange being widened as required and the inner face of one or both limbs grooved or channeled to permit placement of the blade in an evident manner.

The groove does not extend the full length of the jaw or aws, and the portions at the ends thereof will prevent longitudinal move ment of the blade, forward movement thereof being prevented by the front wall which provides the groove.

Fig. 10 illustrates the manner of holding a wafer blade provided with a reinforced back The remarks pertaining to the construction shown at Fig. 9 apply here.

It will be evident that being centrally pivoted and practically contiguous, each member of the device holds the members thereof from spreading or flexing with relation to each other.

I will describe the operation of the device in connection with the form thereof shown at Figs. 1, 2, 3, at, 5, 6, 11 and 12. The members being in the position shown at Fig. l, to insert a blade it is laid flatwise on the cutaway or thin portion of the limb 1, its projecting portions or tongues resting against the shoulders 6 and 7 and its cutting edge projecting as shown at Fig. 11. It will be evident (Fig. 1) that the heel 19 of the flange will limit the movement of the members in that direction in which they are opened, and that a space between the members is provided at that portion where they overlap,same figurein which space one end of the blade is to some extent secured before the members are closed. To effect such closing the member 8 is brought with a wiping contact from and over the rear portion of the blade, into the position shown at Fig. 11, the lugs 16 gliding over the confronting face of the blade, and the flange not only limiting the closing movement of the members, but also shielding the rear edge of the blade and providing a smooth, unbroken rearportion or back on which the device may be freely turned while in contact with a strop or hone and without in jury thereto or to the blade. It will be evident that the flange prevents movement of the blade toward the rear. Also will it be evident that the handle portions of the limbs might be shortened and a handle secured in various ways thereon. such constructions to be within the scope of my claims.

My improvements require no springs, threads, clamps or other extraneous means or appliances for holding them in operative positions nor to secure the blade in position. It is obvious that if the means on one or both of the inner faces of the jaws was dispensed with, a blade might be held but not secured therebetween, and in the appended claims I shall employ the word secure and its derivatives in its own sense.

Besides those hereinbefore enumerated, various other changes may be made in the details of construction without departing from the general idea involved. It will be I comprehend all clear also that either of the limbs, or the jaw portions thereof, may be used with another limb different from the other one of any pair shown and described.

I claim as new and as my invention 1. In a device of the nature described, two wiper limbs pivoted to each other near their midlengths to form handle portions at one end and blade retaining portions at the other, and the respective end portions adapted to frictionally impinge each other.

2. In a device of the character described, a pair of limbs pivoted to each other near their midlengths, one pair of the end portions thereof including means whereby a blade may be retained, and the back edge of one of said end portions beingflanged over the back edge of the other.

3. In a device of the character described, two members pivoted to each other near their midlengths, one pair of the end portions of said members constituting bladeretaining jaws, and one of said end portions including integral means whereby an unbroken back is provided, the respective end portions being adapted to frictionally impinge each other.

a. In a device of the nature described,two wiper limbs pivoted to each other near their midlengths to form an X-shaped structure when opened for the reception of a blade, one at least of said limbs provided with projections on its inner face whereby a blade may be secured when the limbs are closed upon each other, the respective end portions of the limbs being adapted to frictionally impinge each other.

5. In a device of the character described, two limbs pivoted near their midlengths, one end portion of one of them being relatively thin as compared with the other portion thereof, said portion provided with integral bgssgs on its inner face, and the corresponding end portion of the other member provided with a flange overlying the rear edge of the first recited member.

6. A device of the character described comprising a pair of elongated wiper limbs pivoted to each other near their midlengths, the portions at one end of the pivotal point adapted to retain a blade when they are in closed position, and one of said portions including an integral laterally disposed flange along its rear edge.

7. In a device of the nature described, two wiper limbs pivoted to each other to form an X-shaped structure when opened for the reception of a blade, one at least of said limbs provided with projections on its inner face, said projections conforming in contour to that of said blade, whereby said blade may be secured when the limbs are wiped over each other into parallelism.

8. A device of the character described comprising two limbs pivoted to each other near their lnidlengths one portion of the end portions thereof constituting a handle and the other portion thereof constituting jaws between which a blade may be secured with one of its edges shielded, and the respective end portions adapted to frictionally impinge each other.

In witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name this 26th day of May, 1909.

HAMDEN H. HOLMES.

In presence of- EUGENE W. WVELOH, SCOTT MARBLE. 

